Wait, wait. Let me explain something first.
Originally, Silent Hill 2 was on this list because it is my favorite game in the series. It has the best story. I don't think many people would argue that. However, I've always said that the gameplay was lacking and that Silent Hill 3 was scarier and more fun to play, even though the story wasn't as good. So it didn't seem right to put Silent Hill 2 on the list, even if it is technically my favorite.
I was really skeptical about Shattered Memories when it was announced. I was one of those obnoxious people, outraged that this was a Silent Hill game without combat. Without combat?? What kind of game WAS this? Silent Hill always had combat. How else were you supposed to kill the monsters? I didn't mind in Clock Tower 3 (well, I did because it scared the hell out of me to be chased with no way to defend myself), but this was a series that always allowed you to have weapons and now they were being taken away.
Well. I was wrong. Shattered Memories didn't need combat. It was a good enough game that I don't mind the fact that I was chased throughout most of it with no way to defend myself.
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a reimagining of the first game. What's interesting about it is that the game changes based on your actions and what you interact with. Not just in small ways, either. Your conversations with other characters change. Their appearance and attitude will change. Even the enemies gradually change over time, taking on different forms depending on what type of person you turn Harry into.
During Harry's therapy sessions, you have to respond to questions and complete different tests. Some require you to label people as either looking dead or alive and others require you to color a picture of a house. The therapy sessions never feel gimmicky or take you out of the game, it adds something interesting that you wouldn't expect from a Silent Hill game. Mostly because none of the other games have ever been like THIS.
You're given a psychological profile at the end during the credits. I do not feel that it's accurate at all, but it's still a fun detail.
The soundtrack, of course, is amazing. Akira Yamaoka never failed the series, he is an amazing composer and I wish he could have worked on Silent Hill: Downpour, but that's another story.
Shattered Memories deviates from the feel of the other games. But this is one example of a game making drastic changes and actually working out for the best. Being chased by enemies keeps you on edge. It makes the game scarier. Which is a GOOD thing, this issurvival horror. You're not meant to shoot everything you come across. The new twist to the story is well done and it's interesting that they updated it with the use of cell phones. That was something I was concerned about, but it actually wasn't terrible at all.
I have a deep appreciation for Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3, but this game has a good story and it's fun to play at the same time, which is why it made the list. Plus, it has the best UFO ending in the series.
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